Evolution of AI: 5 lessons from Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari

may 23, 2025

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The book Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari explores the intertwined journey of artificial intelligence and humans, delving into how AI shapes society. 

Power lies with those who control information, from the times of oral storytelling to written texts and the eventual rise of the internet.

Power

Those who now control AI systems have immense power and have a great influence over geopolitics and global economies. 

AI is not just a tool, it is designed to partner with humans. AI participates in shaping our society and can transform the world like no past technology ever could. 

AI as agent

AI empowers surveillance states—it allows governments to monitor our moves and invade our privacy. A balance must be found between security and privacy. 

Surveillance and privacy

AI models based on dominant cultures followed by majorities can gradually erase local languages and traditions. 

Cultural homogenisation

The one-size-fits-all mindset only turns out to be beneficial for globally influential countries, making it harder to protect cultural diversity. 

Algorithms that work on human behaviour pose a risk of losing personal freedom. When we only consume what algorithms want us to see, we lose our ability to think. 

Loss of individuality

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